FORMATION AND PURPOSE
The First Tennessee Development District was formed in 1966 pursuant to legislation passed by the Tennessee General Assembly. It is one of nine regional organizations in Tennessee that carries on general and comprehensive planning and development activities for local governments.
The First Tennessee Development District's office is located in Johnson City and serves eight counties in Northeast Tennessee: Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington. The FTDD region covers 2,895.7 square miles with a population of over 450,000.
Chief local elected officials from eight counties and twenty municipalities, as well as industrial and legislative representatives, serve on the Board of Directors and provide direction to the staff as they serve the region through planning, coordination, technical assistance and project review. This voluntary association of local governments is committed to improving the quality of life in Northeast Tennessee. Solving common problems regarding economic development and regional growth is the main thrust of the First Tennessee Development District. This goal is accomplished through economic and community development and economic development financing, research and planning, environmental management activities, housing studies, human resource evaluation, assessment and updating services to the elderly.
The First Tennessee Development District receives its funding from per capita dues from member counties and municipalities, from federal and state agencies and from fees earned through grant management.
The natural scenic beauty of Northeast Tennessee; the treasure of America's history housed in our historic sites; the waterways providing outdoor recreation, the excellent higher educational facilities preparing our future leaders and service providers; our accessibility; and our outstanding industrial development opportunities make the region served by the FTDD an attractive spot to visit, work and live.
